Ekiti among top three finalists for 2026 National Pension Awards.

Ekiti among top three finalists for 2026 National Pension Awards.

Ekiti State has emerged one of the top three finalists for the 2026 National Pension Award under the category of “State of the Year in the Implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).”

The announcement was formally communicated by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) through an official notification signed by the Acting Director of the Commission's States Operations Department, Mr Akinsola Adeseun.

According to PenCom, the nomination came in recognition of Ekiti State government’s remarkable strides in adopting, executing, and sustaining the Contributory Pension Scheme. The statement noted that Ekiti State’s pension management efforts stand out as a model for promoting sustainable pension systems and safeguarding retirees' financial future.

"This nomination is in recognition of the remarkable strides recorded by the Ekiti State Government in the implementation of the CPS and underscores the Commission’s commitment to fostering pension reforms and promoting a sustainable pension system across the country”, the letter reads. 

The statement also disclosed that the winner of the State of the Year award will be announced during the grand Award Presentation Ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, 29 October 2026 at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The nomination marks a major boost for Ekiti State, reflecting continuous efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to ensure prompt remittance of worker contributions, and guarantee long-term stability for its workforce upon retirement.

NIYI JOHN OLAJIDE: A MAN WHO INSPIRES!

NIYI JOHN OLAJIDE: A MAN WHO INSPIRES!

By Dauda Lawal (ADL).

The world does not celebrate great men merely for the wealth they accumulate, but for the lives they touch, the opportunities they create and the legacies they leave behind. On October 21, 2026, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, in recognition of his business achievements and contributions to enterprise, employment generation and societal development. This was more than an academic distinction; it was an institutional endorsement of the power of enterprise to creating value and transforming lives. Coming from an institution founded by Aare Afe Babalola, one of Ekiti's most distinguished builders of institutions, the honour carries profound symbolic significance. It invites a deeper reflection on the achievements of a global investor whose growing influence is increasingly being felt in the economic development of his home state.

For Ekiti State, the significance of this recognition goes far beyond the prestige of an honorary doctorate. Through Cavista Holdings' investments in Agbeyewa Farms and Glocient Hospitality, which manages Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Olajide is helping to reposition agriculture and tourism as engines of economic growth. Agbeyewa's cassava enterprise represents the possibilities of large-scale commercial agriculture, industrial processing and employment creation, while Ikogosi offers renewed opportunities for tourism, hospitality, conferences and related businesses. Together, these investments demonstrate how private capital, when backed by vision and a long-term commitment, can complement government efforts to stimulate economic activity and improve livelihoods. For a state with considerable agricultural potential and remarkable natural attractions, the significance of these investments lies not merely in the businesses established, but in the opportunities they create for workers, young people, entrepreneurs and host communities.

Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, in his remarks at the ceremony, commended Olajide for his investments and his commitment to the development of Ekiti State. His acknowledgement underscored the importance of private-sector partnerships in advancing the state's economic ambitions. The governor's recognition was particularly significant because it connected Olajide's business achievements to a wider development agenda: attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening productive industries and expanding economic opportunities for the people. The message was clear: government cannot build a prosperous society alone. It needs investors who are prepared to commit resources, take risks and build enterprises capable of creating lasting value. In this regard, Olajide's growing investments represent an important contribution to Ekiti's economic aspirations and a compelling example of how business leadership can support public development goals.

The traditional rulers' tributes at the award ceremony added a powerful cultural and historical dimension to the occasion. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, commended Olajide's accomplishments and contributions, recognising the significance of his investments and commitment to development. The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, made a particularly striking observation about Ekiti's need for more people like Olajide to complement the developmental contributions of Aare Afe Babalola. His remarks captured an important truth about the future of Ekiti: sustainable development requires more successful sons and daughters who can translate their achievements into investments, institutions and opportunities at home. When a governor acknowledges an investor's contribution and revered traditional rulers publicly celebrate his impact, the recognition transcends personal achievement. It becomes a statement about the kind of leadership, enterprise and commitment the state needs to move forward.

What, then, does this honour mean for Niyi John Olajide's reputation, his businesses and his place in Ekiti's development story? It strengthens his standing as an investor whose achievements are increasingly associated with the economic future of his home state. Yet the greatest measure of his legacy will not be the awards he receives, but the jobs sustained, the communities empowered, the industries strengthened and the opportunities created for generations to come. His story is still unfolding, but the recognition by ABUAD, reinforced by the commendations of Governor Oyebanji, the Ooni of Ife and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, marks a significant moment in his public profile. For Ekiti, Olajide represents the promise of a new development partnership between enterprise and society. For Nigeria, his journey offers a reminder that successful businesses can become instruments of national progress. 

Ultimately, greatness is not simply about how far a man travels or how much wealth he builds; it is about how many lives he transforms and how much progress he brings home. Niyi John Olajide is a man whose journey continues to inspire.

Adl, is the Director of Community Engagement, Agbeyewa Farms

Ajijola backs MOB, Fatoba, Karounwi for better representation in Ekiti Central.

Ajijola backs MOB, Fatoba, Karounwi for better representation in Ekiti Central.

The Executive Director of the South West Development Commission, Chief Lateef Ajijola, has expressed confidence in the capacity of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Hon. Olusola Fatoba and Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi to deliver effective representation and promote development in Ekiti Central Senatorial District.

Ajijola, popularly known as Always Standing, declared his support for the All Progressives Congress candidates, describing their emergence as an opportunity to strengthen representation, expand development opportunities and advance the principles of shared prosperity.

Speaking during an interview at his residence, Ajijola said the large turnout of supporters at the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State demonstrated Nigerians' confidence in continuity and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He maintained that the Federal Government's policies and development initiatives were beginning to make an impact across the country, citing the establishment of federal institutions and renewed attention to federal road projects in Ekiti State as evidence of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and create opportunities.

The SWDC director urged voters to support leaders who prioritise the welfare of the people, stressing the need for responsible and responsive representation at all levels of government.

He also cautioned the electorate against being swayed by what he described as deceptive political promises and temporary inducements during the electioneering period.

Ajijola called on residents of Ekiti Central to make informed choices that would promote sustainable development, improved infrastructure and greater economic opportunities for the people.

He expressed optimism that the APC candidates, working in collaboration with the federal and state governments, would contribute to the advancement of Ekiti Central and the realisation of the Renewed Hope agenda.

Second Term: God has gone ahead of Oyebanji, Afuye – CCC Cleric declares.

Second Term: God has gone ahead of Oyebanji, Afuye – CCC Cleric declares.

The Ekiti State Region A Superintendent of Celestial Church of Christ, Assistant Most Superior Evangelist Akinola Abraham Aladeseye, has declared that the handiwork of God will be felt in the second term administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye.

According to the cleric, the Oyebanji’s administration witnessed tremendous successes in the first tenure owing to the visible hands of God in all sectors of the state’s economy, describing them as good and born again Christians.

The CCC Region A Superintendent spoke on Saturday at the special second term inauguration thanksgiving service in honour of the governor and his deputy held at CCC Premier Parish, Irona, Ado-Ekiti.

Evangelist Aladeseye showered encomiums on the governor and his deputy for leading the state with the fear of God, describing the deputy governor as a beacon of Christ and a true Mother in the lord’s vineyard.

He urged the governor and his deputy not to abandon Christ in their quest to develop the state in the second term noting that God will continue to be with them till the end.

His words: “I gave the government good advice that they shouldn’t forget Christ but follow Him from beginning till the end because He is with them and is backing them up.

“They should continue to follow Christ till the end of their lives. God is with them from beginning till the end. As they have started another term, we pray that God will continue to be with them.”

Earlier in his sermon, Evangelist Aladeseye, who took his bible texts from Luke 18:29, Psalm 62:8, Proverbs 3:5, said the special thanksgiving service served as an important reminder to everyone to always give thanks to the Lord in every situation they found themselves in, particularly the successful first term of the governor.

In her remark, the deputy governor appreciated the leadership of the church and its adherents for their show of support to the administration of Governor Oyebanji assuring that they would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

Afuye equally noted that the state will continue to witness more progress and development in line with the administration’s shared prosperity mantra in the second term while urging them to support the state government.

The glorious service attracted members of the Celestial family from across the state, esteemed visitors, top functionaries and gospel artiste performances by King Segun Ajidara.

Alignment with Federal Government, Catalyst for Ekiti Development, Says Ajijola.

Alignment with Federal Government, Catalyst for Ekiti Development, Says Ajijola.

Ado-Ekiti-based philanthropist and politician, Chief Lateef Ajijola, has emphasised the importance of political alignment between Ekiti State and the Federal Government as a catalyst for accelerated development and infrastructural growth.

Ajijola, who is the Executive Director of the South West Development Commission, said the cordial relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, had contributed to the state's development by facilitating cooperation between the two levels of government.

He urged voters in Ekiti State to support all candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming elections, stressing that sustained political cooperation would help consolidate ongoing developmental efforts.

Speaking during an interview with journalists, Ajijola said development was a gradual process that required patience, commitment and collective sacrifice.

He said, “Development is day by day, little by little, and we shall get to our promised land. Every developed country on the planet today has paid the price for what it is enjoying. Let us endure the momentary challenges in order to have permanent solutions to our common challenges.”

The politician noted that achieving sustainable development required citizens to look beyond immediate challenges and remain committed to the long-term benefits of government policies and programmes.

He maintained that cooperation between the Federal Government and the state government remained important in attracting development opportunities and strengthening infrastructure across Ekiti State.

𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐒-𝐈𝐘𝐈𝐍 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐔𝐂 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲, 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐒-𝐈𝐘𝐈𝐍 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐔𝐂 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲, 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.

The Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES-IYIN), has opened admission into its Human Physiology and Human Anatomy programmes following approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The approval, dated 21st October, 2026, comes shortly after the commission also approved three new programmes for the university: Artificial Intelligence, Telecommunication Science, and Tourism and Hospitality Management, further expanding its academic offerings to forty. 

Applications for Human Physiology and Human Anatomy, domiciled in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, opened on Thursday, October 22, and will close on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Eligible candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2026, have sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and scored a minimum of 160. 

Applicants must have selected English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in the UTME, alongside the required O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Candidates who wish to change their institution of choice to FUTES-IYIN are required to process the change through the JAMB website, while those whose details do not appear on the university portal as first-choice candidates but intend to make FUTES-IYIN their first choice may apply using the “OTHER” choice option on the portal. 

However, they must complete the change of institution on JAMB CAPS before the registration deadline.

Interested candidates are advised to visit "https://portal.futes.edu.ng/apply" for registration guidelines and application. 

𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐢 𝐄𝐬𝐚𝐧, 

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫,  

𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐈𝐲𝐢𝐧-𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢 (𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐒-𝐈𝐘𝐈𝐍).

Oyebanji Charges ABUAD Graduands on Innovation, dynamism at Convocation.

Oyebanji Charges ABUAD Graduands on Innovation, dynamism at Convocation.

…hails Afe Babalola’s contribution to human capital debt, nation building.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has acknowledged the significant contribution of the Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola to the development of the state by pursuing infrastructural drive and human capital development with an unmatched passion.

Governor Oyebanji, who spoke on Wednesday at the 14th Convocation ceremony of ABUAD, commended Chief Babalola’s vital support toward the completion of the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport. 

The Governor revealed that Aare Babalola particularly funded some key facilities at the airport, including equipment for the control tower and the construction of the car park, which was instrumental in bringing the airport project to operational reality.

Speaking before an audience comprising graduands, academic leaders, and distinguished guests, Governor Oyebanji further described the Chancellor as a visionary icon whose tireless work continues to inspire youths and leaders across generations.

He used the opportunity to also laud ABUAD for maintaining its position as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria and across the globe by consistently topping rankings in higher education sustainability, stressing that such repeated recognition proves that ABUAD’s achievements are rooted in genuine excellence rather than temporary luck. 

According to the Governor, the institution’s impact in teaching, groundbreaking research, and community service has firmly established it as a reference point for academic excellence.

Turning his attention to the graduands ,the Governor commended the students for successfully navigating the rigorous and demanding academic environment of ABUAD emphasizing that earning a degree from such a prestigious university is a significant feat.

He charged the new graduates to stand out as distinguished ambassadors and role models in their future professional endeavors. He further urged them to embrace creativity, innovation, dynamism, and adaptability as they enter an ever-changing world and labour market.

Governor Oyebanji noted that in a dynamic global environment, graduates must look beyond traditional classroom curricula and apply their knowledge to emerging fields, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in an evolving economic landscape.

Addressing the rapidly growing influence of technology, the Governor called on the graduands to intelligently adapt to the artificial intelligence revolution as he advised them to continuously evaluate which services and skills hold value in the modern workforce, encouraging them to maintain a strong sense of curiosity and commit to lifelong learning to navigate new industry realities.

"I want to specially celebrate my father and icon, Aare Afe Babalola on the occasion of his being conferred with the honorary doctoral degree by two international universities from Canada and the United State of America.

" Even in his advanced age, he has not slowed down on his commitment to the task of making life better than he met it. It is therefore not surprising that he continues to attract recognitions and commendations from far and near, in celebration of his invaluable contributions to human capital development in Nigeria and beyond.

" In  a world and a state of permanent effluxion, one needs to be creative, dynamic, adaptive and pragmatic to cope. Therefore, let the value of your degrees manifest in your ability to create, innovate and adapt your knowledge to emerging skill gaps which even the curriculum that graduated you might not have comprehensively or sufficiently envisaged.

"As the world gets led by the artificial intelligence revolution, you also need to intelligently revolutionize the reality of what services and skills get valued in the new world. In a short word, keep the antenal of your curiosity alive and keep learning to fit in." He stated.

In her opening speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University (ABUAD), Prof. Smaranda Olarinde reminded the new graduates that the quality education they received carries significant societal responsibilities and mandates them to lead with sound character.  

 Professor Olarinde stressed that the academic and moral training imparted by the institution was designed to equip students to think critically, act with unwavering integrity, and work diligently across their respective fields. 

Highlighting the practical duties attached to higher learning, the Vice Chancellor called on graduates across all disciplines to embody compassion and social consciousness in their careers. She challenged engineers to prioritize safety in their designs, healthcare professionals to preserve patient's dignity, and law graduates to steadfastly defend justice, maintaining that true individual success brings a profound duty to serve the broader community.

She expressed deep gratitude to the parents for their sacrifice, trust, and sustained financial commitment toward their children's development.